Vernon Kent Collett, age 60, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Knob Noster, Missouri.

He was born on June 3, 1964, in Warrensburg, Missouri, the son of Melvin Joan (Kenney) Collett.

Vernon was a proud graduate of Knob Noster High School. He dedicated his full-time career to the Johnson County Road and Bridge Department, where he worked diligently to serve the community. In 1995, he joined the Johnson County Fire Protection District as a firefighter, beginning a long and honorable commitment to emergency response. Throughout his years of service, he pursued extensive training, completing Fire Investigation Courses in 2014, Grain Bin Rescue in 2015, and Fire Officer Training in March 2018. His expertise extended to ice rescue, trench rescue, and vehicle extrication, for which he trained in 2010. Vernon's leadership and dedication were recognized through his promotions, achieving the rank of Lieutenant in 1997 and later being promoted to Captain in 2011. His dedication to his career left a lasting impact on his colleagues and the community he proudly served.

Vernon is survived by his father, Melvin Collett; and two nephews, Jesse McKinney and Terral McKinney.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Heartland Church in Knob Noster, Missouri. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Charles Brant officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities and may be left in care of the funeral home.